The Gatecrasher: A Novel

Product Details

The Secret Is Out!Madeleine Wickham is Sophie Kinsella, and The Gatecrasher is just as delicious as her internationally bestselling Shopaholic series.

Everything’s coming up roses for Fleur Daxeny, as she goes through more rich men than she does designer hats. Beautiful and utterly irresistible, her success at crashing funerals to find wealthy men is remarkable. Fleur wastes no time in seducing her latest conquest, the handsome and rich widower Richard Favour. His children are caught up in a whirlwind as their father’s new girlfriend descends on the family estate. Fleur is not one to wear her heart on her Chanel sleeves, but she soon finds herself embracing Richard and his family. But just as Fleur contemplates jumping off the gold-digger train for good, a long-buried secret from her past threatens to destroy her new family.

Take a wild and marvelous ride with The Gatecrasher, whose clever, chic, and sassy style will leave you desperately wanting more wonderful Wickham!

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Reviews

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Mariana from
Liked it.The story is a little complicating, cannot sympathise with the main character at times, but the ending brings it all together.

Date published: 2010-04-06

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Laurel from
So-SoI read this book for a book club so it wasn't by choice. I did enjoy it near the middle but the beginning didn't really catch my attention and the book seemed to end rather abruptly to me. As I read the book I kept thinking of the movie Wedding Crashers (which I love) but didn't help the book. I found the character development lacking and I couldn't connect with the main character. Overall, I enjoyed the book but I am not sure if I would recommend it to a friend.

Date published: 2009-04-23

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Jenn from
Not as stellar as the novels she writes under her pseudonym!Fleur has made a career out of crashing funerals and memorial services so that she can work her way into recently widower's lives. She earns the widower's trust then takes them for all she can and moves on. Fleur's latest target is Richard Favour who finds that her bubbly personality and bright spirit are exactly what his dull life has been lacking. However, as Fleur is swept up into Richard's country club lifestyle and family problems she finds that maybe she is wanting more than just access to his gold card. Perhaps this will be the life that she finally settles into, until her own past catches up with her and threatens to ruin everything. The book was enjoyable at times but I found myself disliking the main character more and more as the story progressed. Fleur was shockingly selfish and blind to everyone's needs but her own. She had absolutely no redeeming qualities that justified a whole family falling in love with her and I can't believe how easily they all forgave the way she mistreated them. Fleur's character didn't change or learn anything even towards the end of the book. Also, the ending was a supreme disappointment because it wraps up a little too quickly with so many loose ends untied. Truthfully, I am now hesitant to pick up any more of Wickham's novels as her Shopoholic books were definitely more entertaining than this one.

Date published: 2009-04-13

Rated 3 out of
5 by
petite_cece from
It wasn't that badI had read the Shopaholic series and was really interested in reading a book by "Madeline Wickham." The Gatecrasher was okay. It wasn't horrible but it Fleur was no match against Becky Bloomwood. I didn't really fall in love with Fleur like I did with Sophie Kinsella's other main characters. Also, I didn't like the book ending. The plot was sort of slow and at the end, it left me with a million questions! It felt like the book ended too abruptly or the book wasn't quite finished... It was an okay book but definitely not one of my favorites.

Date published: 2009-03-09

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Bex from
A Surprise -- your definition.This book was kind of like watching Wedding Crashers (the movie). It was funny, and interesting when you start reading the book, but by the end it gets all serious and weird on you. By the cover, and the author, you would expect this book to be fun, and a romantic comedy. However, this book deals with a single mother stealing money off male widows, and always moving around. She has a troubled daughter, who eventually comes to live with her and the new "family", and gets involved with the son. It has its funny moments, but mostly the book deals with a complex family, their troubles, secrets, money, sex, and past. The characters are sometimes frustrating because of their actions, and I actually cried at some parts. Because of the angst. The ending is a little bit anti-climatic. My suggestion; read the book with an open mind. Don't expect it to be another Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Date published: 2009-02-25

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Jennie_Bowes from
WHAT A BOREThis was book recommended in my small book group. It has to be one of the worst books i have read, ever. It was badly written, not entertaining, or funny. I had trouble picking the book up to read, rather than putting the book down! After reading the other reviews, im beginning to wonder if they actually read this book!

Date published: 2009-02-05

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Melissa_and_Beary from
Interesting ReadThe gatecrasher is a novel about a woman who 'crashes' funerals and memorials in hopes of finding wiealthy men. She then takes as much money from them as she can before moving on. It is an interesting premise for a novel and it was an easy and enjoyable read. I'm not sure why Madeleine WIckham who is also Sophie Kinsella chose to author this book under a her own name. Why not use your name for all of your novels. All in all it was a good read.

Date published: 2009-01-20

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Sarah_Moleme from
great!when i had finished reading all of the sophie kinsella books i was slightly depressed. then i came across the gatecrasher at the yorkdale indigo and i was revived. it was an early christmas present for me. the books she writes are not great works of literature, but they're not boring either. i get so wrapped up in her great stories and characters that i usually don't put it down until i'm done. keep writing sophie/madeleine! one thing i did notice about this book was how different her style is compared to shopaholics and the other kinsella books. it was hard to get used to at first and then i fell in love with her new (old) style too. i can't wait for the rest of wickham/kinsella's books.

Date published: 2008-12-08

Rated 3 out of
5 by
nikki_smith from
so soI found this book to be so so not as great as the shopaholic seris or her other books. There was no real character development and the story was slow. It was not until the last few chapters that it got fairly interesting. Becky Bloomwood is a much better character than Fleur. I am hoping that the other Wickham books are much better.

Date published: 2008-10-11

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Sandra_Kuhar from
EntertainingIf you like Sophie Kinsella's 'Shopaholic' series, then you'll enjoy this novel, as well. As per usual, the main character finds herself in a tangled web of lies that she has to somehow get herself out of. Typical British humor. I enjoyed it!

Date published: 2008-10-10

Rated 1 out of
5 by
M.Campbell from
BoringI loved the Shopaholic series so I was excited to read another book by the same author. I thought this book was brutal. I couldn't wait for it to end. I will not read another book by Wickham.

Date published: 2008-07-26

Rated 3 out of
5 by
WaterfallOfDestiny from
Cheeky with a touch of witAfter reading so many Sophie Kinsella novels, then reading this one, I realized how different Sophie Kinsella and Madeleine Wickham are as authors. It's the same style, but throughout The Gatecrasher, I realized how much older and less glamorous the characters were compared to, say, Becky Bloomwood. In fact, I wouldn't even classify The Gatecrasher as a chick lit novel, per se. That being said, The Gatecrasher is still an entertaining read. The suspense is amazing, and it made up for the relative lack of romance. And, of course, the author's wit is admirable. I do wish, however, that the story didn't end so abruptly. Not many people can come up with such great premises for their stories, but Madeleine Wickham has done it again and again. The gatecrasher to funerals turns out to be a gold-digger looking for wealthy widowers. When she finds one, well, things become juicy. Highly recommended for all Sophie Kinsella fans!

Date published: 2008-06-07

Rated 4 out of
5 by
JanaBanana from
better as it goes onI LOVE Sophie Kinsella, so when I saw this on the shelf, I grabbed for it pretty quickly. The beginning was a little slow for me, and for some reason I felt quite annoyed with the odd names in the book. Fleur, Zara, Lambert, Phillipa, Xanthe. I felt strangely relieved when "Johnny" came into play. As the story went on, I began enjoying each character & loving it more and more. By the end, I wanted more book to read! Give it time... it will develp rather quickly into a fun read.

Date published: 2008-06-06

Rated 4 out of
5 by
La_Bohème from
good readOver all it was a good book. However I would have liked to read more about the characters in general. Some areas left me wondering i.e. How did Fleur end up with this habit of duping men...what happened between Zara's dad and herself. I think more character development would have been good. But like most Wickham/Kinsella books they all leave you wanting more!

Date published: 2008-06-02

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Katie_McLaughlin from
Witty and CleverA chick book that will definately keep you interested...one of those "don't want to put it down" books, filled with clever whit, funny humour, and realistic romance.

Date published: 2008-01-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Michelle_Parkinson from
Another Hit!I love her books, no matter what name she writes with!!! Amazing, captivating and exciting. I love books you hate to put down!!! I found the main character to be so appealing and loveable despite what she gets up to in the beginning. Definitely would recommend to any of my friends for a good read!

– More About This Product –

The Gatecrasher: A Novel

The following ISBNs are associated with this title:

ISBN - 10: 0312381077

ISBN - 13: 9780312381073

Read from the Book

THE GATECRASHER (Chapter 1) Fleur Daxeny wrinkled her nose. She bit her lip, and put her head on one side, and gazed at her reflection silently for a few seconds. Then she gave a gurgle of laughter. "I still can''t decide," she exclaimed. "They''re all fabulous." The saleswoman from Take Hat! exchanged weary glances with the nervous young hairdresser sitting on a gilt stool in the corner. The hairdresser had arrived at Fleur''s hotel suite half an hour ago and had been waiting to start ever since. The saleswoman was meanwhile beginning to wonder whether she was wasting her time completely. "I love this one with the veil," said Fleur suddenly, reaching for a tiny creation of black satin and wispy netting. "Isn''t it elegant?" "Very elegant," said the saleswoman. She hurried forward just in time to catch a black silk topper which Fleur was discarding onto the floor. "Very," echoed the hairdresser in the corner. Surreptitiously he glanced at his watch. He was supposed to be back down in the salon in forty minutes. Trevor wouldn''t be pleased. Perhaps he should phone down to explain the situation. Perhaps . . . "All right!" said Fleur. "I''ve decided." She pushed up the veil and beamed around the room. "I''m going to wear this one today." "A very wise choice, madam," said the saleswoman in relieved tones. "It''s a lovely hat." "Lovely," whispered the hairdresser. "So if you could just pack the other five into boxes for me . . ." Fleur smiled mysterio

From the Publisher

The Secret Is Out!Madeleine Wickham is Sophie Kinsella, and The Gatecrasher is just as delicious as her internationally bestselling Shopaholic series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Everything&#8217;s coming up roses for Fleur Daxeny, as she goes through more rich men than she does designer hats. &nbsp;Beautiful and utterly irresistible, her success at crashing funerals to find wealthy men is remarkable.&nbsp;Fleur wastes no time in seducing her latest conquest, the handsome and rich widower Richard Favour. His children are caught up in a whirlwind as their father&#8217;s new girlfriend descends on the family estate.&nbsp;Fleur is not one to wear her heart on her Chanel sleeves, but she soon finds herself embracing Richard and his family. But just as Fleur contemplates jumping off the gold-digger train for good, a long-buried secret from her past threatens to destroy her new family.

Take a wild and marvelous ride with The Gatecrasher, whose clever, chic, and sassy style will leave you desperately wanting more wonderful Wickham!

About the Author

Madeleine Wickham is the author of several acclaimed novels, including A Desirable Residence, Cocktails for Three, Sleeping Arrangements and The Wedding Girl. As Sophie Kinsella, she has written a number of bestsellers including the Shopaholic series, Twenties Girl, Remember Me?,The Undomestic Goddess, and Can You Keep a Secret?Confessions of a Shopaholic was made into a major motion picture starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy. Born in London, Wickham studied at New College, Oxford. She lives in London with her husband and family.

Editorial Reviews

"Wickham creates memorable characters who are as unpredictable and multifaceted as they are stylish. Jolly fun."--Publishers Weekly

"[A] witty and deeply biting novel of modern manners and morals."--Library Journal

"[Wickham is] an observant and engaging storyteller."--Kirkus Reviews

"Wickham knows her characters well and the story never drags... an enjoyable read." --Booklist